A second try from Edinburgh scrum half Peter Burns in the last minute of a pulsating game saw the Eagles retain the Scottish domestic title, with a 30-24 defeat of old rivals Glasgow in the SRL Grand Final at Cambuslang Rugby Club.
Glasgow led 12-4 at the break only to fall 24-12 behind, rallying again to level until the outstanding Burns settled matters.
“The game was a great spectacle and on a knife edge throughout,” commented Edinburgh head coach Ash Carroll. “Glasgow have developed well and are a much improved squad from previous years. We started well but our completion was poor and made some silly mistakes.
“The Glasgow lads capitalised on that, but we responded well after half time and played some decent rugby. We will have some sore bodies but that was a great display for Scotland rugby league. Our season is now over but there is a lot to build on before we, hopefully, enter the challenge cup.”
Glasgow took an early lead when captain Ross Moir crossed for a try converted by Gregg Oehme. Eagles hit back midway through the half, fullback Viliame Rokobuli going over out wide. Glasgow increased their advantage shortly before the break when former Eagle Niall Hall bumped off defenders to score between the posts.
Edinburgh were fast out of the blocks at the start of the second half with lively hooker Jordan Duncan bagging a brace of tries from close range, Rory Hamilton adding both goals. A Burns cut out pass sent in winger Kyle Smith to further the lead which Burns extended on the hour with his first score.
With emotions running high, a coming together of players resulted in both teams being reduced to 12 men with Duncan and Glasgow’s Dom Fletcher sin binned. That seemed to galvanise Glasgow and Gary Brennan scored, Wallace again converting and with five minutes to go, strong running centre Moir crossed for his second which Wallace goaled under immense pressure to level the scores at 24-24.
It looked like golden point extra time was on the cards before a Glasgow error in their own 10 metre area gave Edinburgh an attacking scrum. The Eagles went to their right and Burns took a flick pass from Apenai Kororua to score his second and break the hearts of a spirited Glasgow side.
Glasgow head coach, Kris Hendrie, noted: “Sadly the result isn’t the one we wanted. However, to take Edinburgh Eagles to the very end of the Grand Final and bring the game back to 24 each, it shows how far we have come this season. Massive thanks to all our players, partners and supporters for the efforts and congratulations to Edinburgh.”
EDINBURGH EAGLES 30
Viliame Rokobuil, Chris McKenzie, Craig Wishart, Paul Wilson, Kyle Smith, Rory Hamilton, Peter Burns, Mikey Mair, Jordan Duncan, Terry Logan, John McMillan, Andrew Sweeney, Charles Price
Subs: Finlay Hamilton, Apenai Kororua, Jack Petre, Michael Crolla
Tries: Duncan 2, Burns 2, Smith, Rokobuil
Goals: R. Hamilton 3
GLASGOW RL 24
Gregg Oehme, Sam Fellows, Ross Moir, Cammy Oehme, Gary Brennan, JP Redmond, Rory Wallace, Niall Hall, Nick Thorburn, Jamie Banks, Gregor Cowan, Robbie Keith, Rob Brown
Subs: Dom Fletcher, Ryan Ferguson, Kyle Ross, Josh Macathur
Tries: Moir 2, Hall, Brennan
Goals: G. Oehme, Wallace 3
Half time: 4-12
Referee: Adam Houston